Yes Akio, whilst trained in basic starship maintenance, survival on alien planets and stellar navigation, there are a large number of non-trivial obstacles currently facing me that make a return to my home system a complicated matter.
She tilts her head slightly before adding
Besides that, I have a 'low boredom threshold' I think you call it, and would rather be out keeping the peace instead of cooped up studying starcharts or huddled around nano-circuitry with a fusion-scalpel!
Melania fixes Lucas with a depthless gaze, her monocolour eyes fathomless.
Perhaps once I know you better I'll let you loose on my ship, for now let's stick to building some... 'rapport' I think they call it...
Lucas grunts, and Maggie interrupts whatever he was going to say. "My husband is a man, much like he was before. I bear no hostility to 'mutants' but the term usually implies a change at birth. Lucas is a survivor of a deadly attack. In some ways he's little different than those scarred or wounded by terrorists or war. Are those victims any less 'men'?" A steely gaze warns the others about trifling with her.
"Lay off, Maggie, she didn't mean anything by it." He looks at Concussion. "So this Porfa just helped you do new things with your music? She didn't ask for anything in return?" He drains his coffee cup and puts if back down on the table with a loud thud.
As the conversation continues, Lucas finds himself getting tired quickly. Their adventure earlier in the day has left him drained, and the coffee was little help. When the others are ready to depart, he dons a red hoodie with the word 'STANFORD' emblazoned on the front. He pulls up the hood and puts on a pair of sunglasses.
"Yeah my jobs safe for now, I'm the fastest delivery.. boy they have. I just hope I can track down my bike." He says trailing off thinking on that.
--
Akio stands there looking awkwardly as Maggie defends her husband, but relaxes as Lucas defuses the situation.
He looks Concussion, not really spotting anything different other than her clothes. "You're in a band? But that sounds a little dodgy, did you loose anything? Did this Porfa steal something of yours?" He nods to Lucas.
Over the days following the bank robbery the group begin to spend time together, understanding a little more about eachother's background and unique set of skills. They also discover that Maggie is a keen cook.
They also read in the Daily Bugle about a new superhero team foiling a bank robbery but the editorial isn't entirely kind.
It is with some surprise that they find themselves on page three of the paper, still pictures taken from their brief tv interview and also snaps from cell phones in the crowd that gathered around the bank.
reads the headline of the editorial.
Just how much can we trust this new breed of super powered people? Isn’t it convenient that they all appeared at the same time, how do we know they were not part of the robbery and turned on their accomplices? it continues, clearly illustrating there is a lack of trust in some quarters. Although J. Jonah. Jameson, editor of the Bugle has always been a staunch critic of super powered individuals.
The group mostly keep to themselves, somewhat unsure if this friendship is one of convenience between like minded people who came together in extraordinary circumstances. But they get along well despite their obvious differences and for some at least it is something of a relief to have someone to talk to about just being different.
On one afternoon, Akio decides the group should try some of the food he spends so much time delivering and invites them to the Buddha Bodai.
The restaurant is about as cliched as Connie and Lucas might expect, with black and red decor, plastic 'lucky' cats adorning just about every flat surface and a multitude of chinese lanterns hanging from the ceiling. Even the serving girls wear little straw hats which is about as ridiculous as the pair can imagine. But Midnight in particular doesn't seem to see the farce and whether the spectacle annoys Akio or not he doesn't say.
Nevertheless he is given a warm welcome by the owner who he introduces as Eddie Chu and before long the table is filled with all manner of dishes.
There is an open kitchen to the restaurant and for most of the evening there is nothing but flame and noise there to catch your attention. But as the orders begin to slow, you hear one of the chefs talking to a serving girl. He seems clearly upset and you catch some of what he is saying;
...uncle... Chinatown... Dragon Gang. They smashed the whole place!
Akio shows everyone in proud to show them all his place of work, while under all the fake marketing the place really served amazing authentic food.
"Try the Buddha's Delight Pan Fried Noodles, best thing i've ever tasted." He says commenting on the menu as everyone reads over.
As the group continues to talk as he finish up their food Akio smiles. "I'm glad you all liked it here, it really is quite authentic food."
As everything begins to settle down he hears raised voices coming from the kitchen, he leans forward calling in the others as he whispers. "Dragon Gang, I just heard one of the chefs Yang talk about them. I've heard of their rise around town, I thought they might be connected with the Hand but have yet to track them down. If you're all finished here maybe we could go have a word with? Find out what places their hitting?" He looks to each of them.
Lucas nods as he hears the same come out of the kitchen. "Sounds like they crashed a place in Chinatown." He grabs a last dumpling from a plate with his chopsticks. "You want to go after this gang? We don't know anything about them."
He takes a sip of tea to wash down the dumpling. Maggie was at a neighborhood book club tonight, but he had promised to bring her a to-go meal. "Would the chef even be willing to talk to us? I hear Chinese gangs can be pretty intimidating."
Melania blinks slowly as she chews her last spring roll.
So Akio, this Dragon gang, the usual illegal activities? Gambling, racketeering, prostitution?
She wipes her mouth with a napkin
If you think it prudent then yes we must investigate
their standard scum, protection rackets and the like. I don't know what he'll say but we should at least speak to him, I can't stand for this anymore and it's the a break I've been looking for to track them down." He then stands and looks towards the kitchen. "I'm going your all welcome to help. I'd like your help."
Lucas stares out the window for a moment, and then looks back at Akio. He nods. "Ok, let's go speak to him. We don't want to scare him though. We tangle with the gang and they could take out revenge on them." He nods towards the kitchen.
He grabs a plate of noodles, sliding some into his bowl. He stuffed a giant chopstick-full of them into his mouth. As he chews, he motions to the others. "R'okay, wrets ro..."
I'll pick up the bill. Maggie says, reaching into her purse for her credit. You go talk to him hon. If these Dragon guys are that bad then maybe someone should look into it at least. But if they are that bad then you should really think about it, I don't want you to get hurt. she adds, concerned but somehow excited as well.
You approach the chef as he is taking a break, smoking a cigarette and pacing somewhat nervously in the alleyway out back.
As he sees you approach he blows the smoke away quickly, waving it aside with his hand and flicking the dog-end of the cigarette into a puddle where it fizzles for a moment.
Oh, hey Akio. Um.... everything ok with the food?
He eyes Midnight particularly nervously. Aliens can be found in most areas of work and life these days, but having one in his restaurant as a customer wasn't particularly common.
Lucas snaps his fingers. "Hang on. The Dragons. I think I remember hearing about them. They're actually a gang of aliens. I think they're called Orcs. Mostly small-time protection rackets. Bullying and intimidating people. 'The Dragon' is their leader, but no one knows anything about him."
"That right." He nods. "It's this 'Dragon' I've been attempting to track down. Smaller gangs have a habit of push on the bigger ones to show who's boss and it normally hurts the people who can't defend themselfs."
He smiles at the nervous looking chef. "The food was great, no complaints from me. My friends here all seemed to enjoy it too." He looks back at the group. "You know me, you've known me for while now. We over heard you talking about the The Dragon-gang, I don't want to frighten you I just want to help you, and so do my friends. Will you tell us what happened with them?"
Melania simply stands her ground as the man eyes her suspiciously.
We intend to do something about these 'Dragons' it seems, so it would be beneficial to all involved if you could divulge all remnants of information that you can recall about their habits and organisation.
She stares at him for a full five seconds before remembering to add
...'please'...
Ummmm.... ok. he says, somewhat nervously, taking a glance down the alleyway as if there are eyes and ears everywhere.
They've been leaning on my Uncle Han pretty good for the past few months or so. They get money from him mostly, a few of them visit him every month without fail. They are like clockwork but there's nothing he could do about it - he doesn't always pay his taxes and stuff you know, he's a first generation immigrant and you know.... well, umm.... he does what he needs to.
But that means he can't go to the police.
The chef shuffles uncomfortably and seems to be questioning whether he should be telling you this.
But last night they smashed the place up. They beat him up pretty good too - he's in Midtown General - but the worst is that they burnt the place down. It just really sucks for him to think he's lost everything.
Well that seems like a mindless escalation, no money to be earned from a burnt down property. Either the owner was made an example of or the local crime lord has gone somewhat 'off the railroad' I think you say
Melania considers the situation for a moment.
Well we can either go hunting Dragons, or try and find more info. Votes?
"I think we should go investigate the fire, then perhaps see if we can speak to his uncle. We don't even know where to find them right now."
Listen whatever you decide to do, just leave my name out of it ok? the chef says nervously. Uh... I gotta get back, my break is about over.
He shuffles back into the heat and tumult of the busy kitchen, leaving the four of you in the damp alleyway, neon sign the Boddai Buddha blinking in the gathered puddles.
Well there is 'no time like the present tense' I think you say...
Melania
...we should go and see 'Uncle Han' in hospital tonight, ask him about what happened.
She taps one blue finger on her lips
As much as people do not like to shrub? Bush? Grass is it? I expect he will be co-operative and provide information to us...
"Thank you, we'll make sure he hurts no one else." He nods to the chef as he leaves.
Then turns back to the group "You're right." He nods to Melania. "Let us gather some information and we can hopefully get in to see Uncle Han."
[ooc]To attempt to gather information on the way to the hospital if we decide on that?"[/b]
Melania sees what Akio is attempting to do and takes over slightly, finding her appearance a natural boon to get people talking, and seeing what she can find out whilst the group is en route to the hospital.
The group makes discreet enquiries as they head toward Midtown, stopping in some of the sleazier bars and back alley drunken pits.
One in particular appears to be a rundown, dingy place and upon entering the clientele immediately tense. Its likely this place is unlicensed.
The patrons are almost exclusively alien with a table of small free humanoids huddled protectively together in the dim light while a pair of tall, imposing canine-men, almost living embodyments of what you would imagine a werewolf to look like, slink back into the shadows toward the exit as you approach
Midnight strikes up conversation and it soon becomes apparent that the green humanoids warm to her not because of her looks, but because she too is extra terrestrial.
We heard of the Dragon. one says. Everyone knows the Dragon but none know who he is. Scary bad.
He angry. So angry for why? another shrugs Burning weapon and hunting place. They burn SO bright, so beautiful. he adds imagining the flames licking along the side of the building
But even the Dragon have a boss. They say the Dragon working for a worse man. A worse man who looks like a nice man. Wilson Fisk they say.
Wilson Fisk is a business man and entrepreneaur operation out of Hell's Kitchen. He has done much to see the regeneration of the are but has been incarcerated for the past two years after being convicted of gang-related crime
Fisk has an almost genius level intellect a nd whilst contingency is also borderline psychotic. He is a physically powerful man having been train in several hand to hand combat forms in particular wrestling and sumo and supplements that trying with access to technology. He is known as the Kingpin.
As the man finishes his explanation Akio turns to the others."Wilson Fisk? Who is this man?"
"Fisk?!" Lucas looks confused. "Wilson Fisk is a businessman. He's helped redevelop Hell's Kitchen. He's been connected to gang violence though, so maybe thats part of this?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
Akio nods "It always comes down to that, their after everything and they dont care who gets hurt. We can't deal with this Fisk, but we can deal with the men that work for him. The Dragon has to be stopped."
"No one's seen this Dragon, but does anyone know what he's supposed to be like? Is he an alien like the Orcs? Or maybe a human like the Kingpin that has garnered the leadership of the gang?"
"I say we go inspect the ruins of the fire. It might help us understand what we're up against."
-Posted with Wayfinder
The latest shop to fall victim to the Dragon-gang was Zhu’s Hardware, a small weapon and sporting goods shop on East 40th. Based on the chef's information, the attack took place last night.
As you approach the scene you see the burnt out shell of a five-storey commercial building ahead of you. The ground floor appears to have been the shop space with the upper levels made up of cheap east side apartments. Police tape and wooden boards segment it from the street where passers by continue their business with little heed.
However, even from here you can see the building appears to be completely gutted.
The bustle, lights and smells of Chinatown proper lies two blocks west of you.
"That's a good point Lucas, we only have assumptions and their nothing much to go on." He ponders a moment. "I suppose we should go check out the burnt down building, it might give us some clues now we know somewhat who we're dealing with."
As the group gets closer Akio looks around the street before they make their intentions clear of heading for the burnt out building.
Akio looks around the street.
It is largely residential with a few small businesses scattered here and there among the tenements - a barbershop, deli, liquor store and so on.
The shop front of Zhu's Hardware opens directly on to the street and the smell of smoke, melted plastic and scorched metal still hangs heavy in the air. An alleyway runs next to the store and around the back - probably where Zhu took deliveries.
The street is quiet at this time of night and barely anyone walks past you, though you can still hear the bustle of Chinatown a couple of blocks away.
Akio also notices that at the corner and across the street, a traffic camera sits atop the set of lights and points generally in the direction of the store front.
Lucas looks around before unceremoniously ducking under the police tape and dashing into the burned out ruins. His eyes were much sharper at night after the accident, so much that he could swear he could see in the dark sometimes. Now he let his eyes guide him through the dark, charred remains of the store. He looks around for signs of any weapons, guns or knives. I wonder if the Dragons looted the place before they burned it down.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Connie makes her way down the alleyway, moving in between the puddles that gather beneath broken guttering.
A cat shrieks at her presence and bolts, sending the lid of a garbage can crashing to the ground and giving her a jump.
Dumpsters and trash line both sides of the alleyway and it extends for some several hundred feet. Fire escapes sit on the walls both east and west of her and steam rises like beckoning fingers from grates in the floor.
She proceeds for a moment before coming to a dead end - a chainlink fence that rises some twenty feet and topped with coils of razor wire. Beyond it looks to be some kind of derelict or abandoned plot.
However, as she turns back to head toward the others, she catches her boot on something and looks down to see a heavy, round sewer hatch that isn't quite settled and closed correctly.
Lucas meanwhile makes his way up and down the storefront, looking for a board that is loose.
The boards are just cheap ply and it doesn't take him long to find one where he can quite easily prise a corner away and take a peek inside.
With just a sliver to see through most would not be able to make out any detail but whatever the byproduct of his encounter with Osbourne, it has left him with extraordinary night vision.
Within he can see rows of shelving and units, smashed glass and toppled displays. The entire place is scorched black and the stench of burnt wood and melted metal is overwhelming. The floor and walls are drenched with dirty water from the fire crews hoses, leaving the place a nightmare for forensic investigation.
However, he can see rows of twisted, molten weaponry though most of the weapons have been taken. Whether that was the gang or the police making the scene safe though, it is impossible to say at this stage.
Akio moves to the entrance of the alleyway keeping Connie and Lucas in sight, he half expects some unseen force to slink out of the shadows. "What do you see Lucas?"